Baker wins pair, including one in OT

It was a wild one Saturday in the Collins Gym for the Baker University Wildcats. But when the second overtime was over, the Wildcats had a thrilling 104-97 victory against Avila College.

Avila had a slim 33-32 halftime advantage and Baker put it into overtime with a 43-42 second-half edge. Both teams scored 13 points in the first overtime, but Baker had to have a 3-pointer bounce around the rim and backboard by Brandon McDonnell that finally fell through at the buzzer to force another OT. Then the Wildcats prevailed with a 16-9 margin in the second extra period.

Scott Johnson paced the Wildcats with a game-high 25 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Pedro Dos Santos tossed in 18 points and had seven rebounds. Ivac Simac had 14 points and Josh Flett had a dozen. Also in double digits were McDonnell and Brett Woolery, both with 10 points. Ryan Tenbrink was also big on the boards with nine rebounds.

Baker had a big edge in rebounding, hauling down 42 boards to Avila's 29. Avila had 18 turnovers and BU had 17.

Baker also beat Central Methodist College Thursday 66-64. Leading the way for Baker was forward Santos, a junior from Brazil, with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Also contributing for Baker was sophomore forward Flett, from Wellsville, with 10 points and six rebounds.

On Monday, the winning streak came to an end when Evangel edged the Wildcats 59-57. Evangel was up 29-27 at halftime and held on for the win. Johnson was the lone Wildcat in double figures with 10 points.

The victories moved Baker's record to 10-8 overall and 3-3 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play. Next action for the Wildcats is Thursday at home against Lindenwood. Saturday they are on the road to Lamoni, Iowa, to take on Graceland.